Kansas City Chiefs Injury Report: Key Players Out for AFC Divisional Round

Chiefs' Injury Woes Mount Ahead of Crucial Playoff Game

Starters Expected to Miss Saturday's Matchup

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a significant injury crisis as they prepare for their AFC Divisional Round game on Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the Chiefs' Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and is expected to miss the game. Mahomes is the reigning NFL MVP and is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

In addition to Mahomes, the Chiefs will also be without wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who suffered a knee injury in the same game. Smith-Schuster is the Chiefs' second-leading receiver this season and his absence will be a major blow to the team's passing attack.

Other Notable Injuries

Questionable Players

• Running back Jerick McKinnon (ankle)
• Tight end Travis Kelce (back)
• Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (hip)

Doubtful Players

• Defensive end Frank Clark (groin)
• Offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (calf)

Out Players

• Patrick Mahomes (ankle)
• JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee)
• Kadarius Toney (hamstring)
• Mecole Hardman (pelvis)

Outlook for the Chiefs

Backup Quarterback Chad Henne to Start

With Mahomes out, backup quarterback Chad Henne will get the start against the Jaguars. Henne is a veteran quarterback with 79 career starts, but he has not played in a meaningful game since 2020.

Chiefs Offense Faces Major Challenges

The Chiefs' offense will face a number of challenges without Mahomes and Smith-Schuster. Henne is not as mobile as Mahomes and will likely have to rely more on the running game and short passes.

The Chiefs will also need to find ways to replace Smith-Schuster's production in the passing game. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore are expected to step into larger roles, but both players are relatively inexperienced.

Chiefs Defense Still Strong Despite Injuries

The Chiefs' defense has been one of the best in the league this season, and they should still be strong despite the injuries to Sneed and Clark.

Chris Jones and George Karlaftis have formed a formidable pass-rushing duo, and the Chiefs have a number of talented players in the secondary, including Justin Reid and Jaylen Watson.

Conclusion

The Chiefs are facing a number of significant injuries heading into the AFC Divisional Round, but they remain a dangerous team.

Henne is a capable backup quarterback, and the Chiefs' defense is one of the best in the league. If the Chiefs can find a way to replace the production of Mahomes and Smith-Schuster, they will be a tough opponent for the Jaguars.